Connie Lee Simmons, 87, of the Aquadale Community, died July 12, 2018 at her home with family by her side.
She was born in Stanly County on February 8, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Richmond Paul Lee and bertha Odell Lee. Her mother died when she was very young and her father was later married to Vertie H. Lee who became a loving and cherished stepmother to Connie.
In addition to her parents and stepmother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clay Simmons. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Sandy Clay Simmons and Jack Odell Simmons, a daughter Bonnie Elizabeth Simmons, and a sister Lois “Tiny” Blalock.
As a child, Connie contracted Tetanus and was one of the first in North Carolina and the first in Stanly County to survive.
She attended Norwood Elementary School and high School where she played basketball and was a cheerleader.
She was a long time member of Green Memorial United Methodist Church where she taught nursery and preschool classes for many years.
In later years until recently Connie served as flower fund chair for her Sunday school class and was faithful in her card sending ministry.
She will be remembered for her care and concern of others, not only her family, but the community as well.
Connie loved and was loved by all children. She was fondly called Granny by many of the neighborhood children and was well known as the “Good Witch” at Halloween.
She enjoyed her flowers and always wanted to share them with others. She loved her friends, her pets, especially her cat who was a constant and loyal companion, and she loved her family unconditionally and equally.
Ms. Simmons is survived by her daughter Paulette Edwards and husband Kenneth, her son Allison Simmons and wife Rose, her daughter Susan Hinson and husband Joe, daughter-in-law Anita Simmons, all of Norwood, and her sister, Bonnie Lee Blalock.
She was Granny Connie to Connie Edwards Josey, Kendra Edwards Walter, Kimberly Simmons Flores, Kevin and Regina Simmons, Zana and Paul Lee, Brandon King, B.J. Hinson and Joseph Hinson. She was Great Granny to Nicolas Flores, Whitney, Peyton and Tanner Lambert, Trinity and Trevin Lee, Addie, Klayton and Kade Simmons, Hunter Josey, Avett Walter, Dalton, Mason and Dixie King, and Jaiden, Jordan, Cadence, Clara and Rae Hinson.
Funeral services will be held at Green Memorial United Methodist Church in Aquadale on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 4 p.m. Pastor Ron Drye and Pastor Brandon King will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. The body will lie in state during that time.
Interment will immediately follow the service at Rehobeth Methodist Church in Aquadale alongside her husband and deceased children.
The family will be at the respective homes.
Memorials may be made to Green Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o/ Fran Scarboro, 10867 Southern Road, Norwood NC 28128, or to Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharries, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.